Bilbao, Spain: smart access to health centres
The Challenge
How can Bilbao improve the mobility of patients, especially older adults and people with reduced mobility, when accessing health centres?
The city seeks to explore how technology can support the regulatory changes by providing digital solutions for reservations and control points, ensuring smooth access for patients to health centres. Bilbao aims to test software-based solutions that help manage access, support enforcement, improve space turnover and provide data for decision-making - all with the goal of ensuring smoother and more accessible mobility for patients travelling to health centres.
Who can apply?
The RAPTOR Open Call 2026 is open to single small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Proposals must be submitted by one legal entity only; consortia are not permitted.
Applicants must:
- Qualify as an SME under the European Commission definition
- Be legally established in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe associated country
- Propose a solution addressing one RAPTOR 2026 City Challenge
Applicants may apply to multiple city challenges, but only one project can be funded per applicant.
For full requirements, visit the website.
Background
In Bilbao, high parking demand around health centres often limits access for patients, particularly elderly people and those with reduced mobility, while increasing congestion and emissions. The current parking system does not prioritise healthcare-related parking, leading to conflicts and inefficiencies. As part of a new public space regulation expected in force by June 2026, the city plans to introduce time limits and reservation schemes near health centres. Bilbao is now exploring digital solutions to support these measures through parking management, access control, and enforcement. The goal is to improve accessibility, increase parking rotation, and enhance patient experience around healthcare facilities.
